ON YOUR
DOORSTEP
Published: April 2015
What is On Your Doorstep?
In 2014 Transported’s On Your Doorstep project asked people in Boston Borough and South Holland to
nominate public spaces which they felt were in need of creative enhancement or improvement. Working with
the nominators, Transported have commissioned appropriate and exciting artwork to breathe new life into
public spaces.
Fenside Community Centre
Artist Paul Floyd Blake outside the Fenside Community Centre
where his work is displayed (Image: Electric Egg)
The Centre was nominated by its
Co-Ordinator Sandra Beswick on behalf
of all its users. Transported worked with
Sandra to select highly experienced
artist and photographer Paul Floyd
Blake to deliver the project. When early
workshops failed to tempt people in to
the centre to learn about photography,
Paul went on a walkabout, working with
centre volunteers and residents to create
a series of amazing portraits that are
now exhibited as a permanent public art
installation showing the Centre as the
community hub.
Paul is working on a second portrait
project, but this time exploring the
significance of the objects people own
and how they can tell a story about
someone just as much as a picture of a
person can.
The aim of this project is to produce
an exhibition that can be displayed in a
formal gallery setting, contrasting with
the community centre installation and
offering testimony that great art can be
created and found anywhere.
Alongside this installation, on the
outside of the building, Paul worked
with the community to develop a
shared photo album with everybody
contributing their own family photos, an
illustration of the trust the project had
built up.
The amazing collection was unveiled
in January, and Transported have
commissioned Paul since to return to
the estate to work with residents to
continue their artistic journey.
Fenside Community Centre (Image: Electric Egg)
Fenside Community Centre (Image: Electric Egg)
Frampton Marsh (Image: cammdesign)
RSPB Frampton Marsh
Artists Craig and Mary Matthews
(cammdesign) were commissioned by
Transported in collaboration with RSPB
Frampton Marsh to create a site specific
piece of public art. Their piece is inspired
by the interface between land and water,
inspired by and taking the form of a larger
than life reed bed. ‘The Reflector’ is made
from stainless steel and cedar wood
incorporating sketches of birds, created
during an amazing programme of public
workshops, etched into the surface.
The project has been planned as an
addition to the “Structures on the Edge”
chain of ambitious, large scale artworks
created over the last few years along the
east coast, adding a new experience to
the county visitor offer.
Transported’s purpose is to get more
people enjoying great art, which this
commission will do, for years to come.
But we also believe in getting people to
enjoy the creative experience themselves.
Craig and Mary introduced local artist and
textile sculptor Julie Willoughby to
Image: Julie Willoughby
Transported to deliver an extensive and
imaginative engagement programme.
Julie has worked with all ages and levels
of experience in community venues,
market stalls, schools and community
centres to contribute to three collections
that will add colour and energy to the
spring unveiling of the new sculpture.
Flock, Plumage and Feathers.
The Flock workshops took place over the
summer at Boston Borough Council’s Family
Fun Fridays and also the Boston Flood Aid
event, where participants created a wide
range of beautiful illustrations of birds in
flight, some of which will be sandblasted
into the final sculpture.
Plumage involved established knitting
groups in Boston Borough and South
Holland, as well as Julie, inspiring first
time knitters to make ambitious hats and
scarves, and small pom-pom birds, all to
be worn at the opening.
For Feathers Julie worked with schools
and families to create colourful large
willow and tissue feather sculptural
banners, all of whom will be part of the
celebration event and unveiling of the
sculpture at Frampton Marsh on Saturday
23 May, showcasing their creations in a
short parade around the marsh.
“We are hugely excited about the
Public Art installation at RSPB
Frampton Marsh. Reflector is a
stunning sculpture with unique
interpretations of nature that
will give families an unforgettable
experience.
The unveiling event promises to
be a memorable day with a parade
and the contribution of many
local community groups… we
can’t wait!”
John Badley, Senior Sites
Manager, RSPB
Large map planning session
Members of the Transported team and Boston
organisations are exploring the possibility of a public
art trail through the town inspired by its heritage.
Boston Trail
When the area between the bus station
and the new bridge was nominated under
the On Your Doorstep scheme, it was the
perfect opportunity to bring a range of
organisations together to talk about how
best to improve this important “gateway”
to the town.
Boston in Bloom has long standing
ideas for public realm improvements
and Boston Borough are working in
partnerships to continue environmental
improvements, heritage, information and
signage initiatives.
Transported joined local groups for an initial
site walk and mapping process to make
sure the experience and expert knowledge
of local groups and officers shaped
discussions from the outset, including:
Boston in Bloom, County Highways,
Boston Borough Council, the Chamber of
Commerce, and St Botolph’s Church.
Our next step is to identify what
Transported can contribute this year
and where we can invest in artistic
interventions that inspire ambition as
well as engage more people in the arts.
Taking a look at different locations in Boston
Holbeach Cemetery
Holbeach Cemetery Chapels Group (HCCG) have been
developing plans to bring the iconic buildings back into
public use. Transported have been helping by using
creativity to bring them back to life.
HCCG are in the midst of applying for Heritage Lottery funding to repair the two
Chapels, and they have ambitions to make them available for community use,
potentially with an artistic purpose.
Transported have been working with them to commission local artist Steve
Hatton to raise awareness of this little known jewel to the wider community of
Holbeach by creating four stunning, bespoke photographic murals that make
the exterior more interesting and attractive.
Steve’s initial design ideas reflect the sensitive location and character of the
building; a photographic mural that is striking from distance but conforms to
the shape and contours of the original stone tracery layered with subtle images
and colours, including fragments of the interior and Holbeach landmarks.
The basis for the collaged artworks will be colours and shapes created by local
people (particularly school groups) using light boxes and colour cellophane
sheets. These images will then be combined digitally to create walls of colour
over which Steve will add his own designs.
Holbeach Cemetary Chapels (Image: Electric Egg)
King John
The eight hundred year old mystery of King John’s death and lost treasure might be the subject
of Transported’s next On Your Doorstep project. Representatives from Transported, Boston
Borough Council and Swineshead Parish Council recently met with local historians to discuss
the possibility of a public art project about the King’s story. Legends suggest that King John
was poisoned by a monk from Swineshead Abbey before dying at Newark Castle, days after his
treasure was lost in the Wash, so there are plenty of inspiring stories to build a project around.
We’re very excited to see how this project will develop and what journey it will take us on.
Inspiration for the Crowland art trail
Go See trip to Sleaford to see exciting public art
Crowland Trail
Transported is working with the Crowland Parish Council to co-create the
first of a series of public artworks as catalyst to a new trail with the history
and heritage of the town as its theme. The project will include input from
the local school and wider community through consultation, research and
artistic participation.
We have established an active committee who will help guide the project,
launched the first brief and have a session for anyone who would like to
learn more, on Tuesday 12 May at 7pm at Crowland Abbey.
“Working with Transported is opening up our ideas and we look forward to giving the town a boost
through this exciting project.” - John Parnell, Crowland Parish Council
Long Sutton Common Pit Unveiling
Long Sutton Common Pit
‘The Imaginarium of Common
Understanding’, Robyn Woolston
The Common Pit is a serene pond area sited
beside a local pub in Long Sutton. The space
was nominated by the Civic and District
Society to raise its profile among local
people and dramatically improve the site
and its signposting. Artist Robyn Woolston
was commissioned to work with the Civic
Society and local people to create a space
which inspired a sense of community and
ignited the imagination.
Robyn’s series of sculptural interventions
are inspired by The Wash with her designs
focusing on cartography, geography and
the history of Long Sutton Common Pit
alongside its surrounding ecosystem. This
approach was chosen after a variety of
consultation events in Long Sutton including
a market stall, a workshop with the youth
group and a stall at the Christmas Market.
The consultation reached over 300 people
who shared their stories, ideas and opinions
which resulted in the chosen interventions,
including; a new interpretation sign, boat
hull insect hotel, bird boxes and platforms,
and smaller sculptural interventions in the
form of bird houses.
Spalding Trail
The Spalding & District Civic Society
have a long standing ambition to
develop a series of public artworks that
celebrate the town’s market history, so
the On Your Doorstep programme was
perfect for them.
Potential Public Art Location
Transported have been working with them to help make the first commission
possible, establishing a Steering Group that will oversee the project which
includes representatives of the Society, the education sector, District Council
and Town Centre Manager.
In January 2015 we launched the commission brief for the first of a series
of public art pieces, to be situated either at Sheep Market, or Hall Place and
shortlisted five artists in March who now have six weeks to come up with a full
proposal and create a small-scale model (maquettes) of their intended work.
Like all the other On Your Doorstep projects, we want as many people in Spalding
to be part of this project, to view the designs, offer feedback and even take part
in artist led workshops and activities.
Spalding High School pupils took part in shortlisting and will be part of the final
selection, with Head of Art Liz Kelleher helping them along the journey.
Our next step is interviewing and commissioning. In addition to students taking
part in interview they will also be filming artists presenting their proposal and
a little about their artistic process. These interviews will be available on our
website to view and learn more about this project. The models will be available
to view at a number of locations around Spalding.
Boston Market Covers
Boston Market stall covers will literally become the canvas for a monumental new piece of public artwork, inspired by the town area
and its people. Transported and Boston Borough Council will be meeting in April to discuss the details of the commission which will
also enhance cultural tourism for the town and the county.
An artistic project of this scale has never been undertaken on market stall covers in Britain before. The famous Boston Stump’s
aerial view of the historic market square, emblematic of the importance of trade to the development of the town, imports of food
and wine, exports of wool and participation in the Hanseatic League with Europe gives the covers the potential to be a striking
representation of the town.
Boston Woods
The Boston Woods Trust nominated the Sir
Joseph Banks Country Park for inclusion
in the On Your Doorstep programme,
not because it was a neglected area in
need of more care, but rather because
it’s a beautiful location with increasing
importance and amenity value for town
residents.
They had very clear ambition for an
artwork that reflected their passion,
commitment to the town and the
environment. They had visions of a bronze
bust of Sir Joseph Banks at the end of
their Lime Tree Avenue to represent the
historically important botanist. After
experiencing several Transported Go See
trips and artist talks, representatives
from the Trust were part of the interview
panel to commission an artist to deliver
their project. By this stage they were
open to other options and decided upon
an artist who proposed a very different
kind of work.
Boston Woods Lime Avenue
Sculptor and stone carver James Sutton
will be working with the Trust and country
park users, demonstrating his craft and
working with them to develop a piece for
the woods. He will be working in either
metal or stone, the final decision will
come from consultation with the Trust.
“This is great, I’ve learnt a new skill I can use again. I’d love to do more of this”
– Drop in participant
Stone Carving under development by artist James Sutton (Image: James Sutton)
Windsor Crescent
Windsor Crescent was nominated by Mayflower Housing Ltd in
Boston for the On Your Doorstep scheme because they wanted to
improve the grass area that surrounds a children’s play area and
grassed area running alongside the river.
Stone carver and artist James Sutton was commissioned to
develop the project in collaboration and consultation with local
residents.
Initial social media consultation and an online survey enabled
residents to identify themes they felt should be represented in
the work. James received a lot of feedback and found out about
the history of the area, including a local seal that pops along
the river to say hello on occasions.
James has focused in and produced six designs, including the
one above.
An open drop in carving session was held on site to provide
opportunity for residents to get involved and find out about
the project. The event was really popular, allowing people to
understand James’ approach, appreciate his technique and skill
and generating positive feedback and interest.
Transported will be running follow up sessions so that people can
start to master carving skills and develop enthusiasm for more in
the future.
The carvings are due to be installed on site during the summer 2015.
Geoff Moulder Leisure Centre
We are working with Boston Borough Council and Leisure
Centre staff to commission James Sutton to develop a
new innovative public artwork to add interest to the area
around the centre. The aim of this project is to improve
the perimeter of the Centre with some creative metalwork
inspired by local themes. The project will be entirely
developed through consultation and based on the ideas
generated through workshops with local residents and
centre users.
James was selected to provide continuity of theme as well
as engagement with residents from neighbouring Windsor
Crescent, the projects being linked by the footbridge
across the river.
Boston Crematorium
The Witham East Neighbourhood Action Group nominated Boston
Crematorium for On Your Doorstep to improve the area through the
creation of a new, beautiful and moving artwork for a very sensitive
location. Transported will be working in partnership with Boston
Crematorium and the Neighbourhood group to bring a piece of
public art that is in keeping with the occasion and the location.
Artist Alex Blakey has been commissioned to develop the project,
entitled Eternal Memories, working with the group and local
residents, including pupils from the neighbouring school.
The nominated Crematorium space
Funding opportunities
Transported has been funded to increase participation and enjoyment in the arts and to find ways of sustain it. Sometimes this is
about expertise, sometimes it’s about money.
These On Your Doorstep projects are indications of what can be achieved when people are inspired to come together to use the arts to
make a place better.
If you want to do something where you live, here’s some advice about where to look for funding.
n Find bids through The Lincolnshire Funding Portal – www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/fundingportal
The Lincolnshire Funding Portal is an online hub of grants and funding information. It has a user friendly website that allows you to
quickly and easily filter through hundreds of grant schemes and find funding suitable for your project or organisation. The portal is
split into two versions to serve both the Community and Business sectors.
n Find Funding and Community Advice from Community Lincs – www.communitylincs.com
Community Lincs is a Lincolnshire charity whose activity is driven and shaped by its aim to support Lincolnshire’s individuals and
communities to improve local circumstances for them-selves. Community empowerment and engagement sit at the heart of all that
Community Lincs does and are reflected in its organisational outcomes.
n Lots of links and help by searching Community Development on www.sholland.gov.uk
South Holland District Council has a dedicated Community Development Team whose role is to provide funding advice to maximise
external funding into the District to sustain, support and develop community initiatives and partnerships with a focus on community
cohesion, the voluntary and community sector and grant aid programmes.
n RUS Really Useful Stuff handbook can be found by searching Really Useful Stuff on www.lincolnshire.gov.uk
Find information about setting up your group, equality and diversity for your group, running your group and funding for your group.
Further information can also be found around more specific group issues and subjects.
Upcoming Dates
Contact Us
Tuesday 12 May, 7pm
Crowland Project Presentation
Crowland Abbey
Saturday 16 May
Holbeach Chapel Installation
and unveiling event
Friday 15 May, 10am-3pm
Closed Stone Carving Workshop
Boston College
Saturday 23 May
RSPB Frampton Marsh Installation
and unveiling event
01406 701006 or 01406 701013
www.transportedart.com
transportedart
@TransportedArt
For more details and the most up to date information,
visit www.transportedart.com/events
Transported is a strategic, community-focused programme which aims to get more
people in Boston Borough and South Holland enjoying and participating in arts activities.
It is supported through the Creative People and Places initiative